Kenya Christmas

Christmas in Kenya is eagerly waited for and celebrated with much energy. As an estimate, more than 83% of the population in Kenya is Christian, which explains the popularity of this festival.

The preparations for the festival begin much in advance, sometimes as much as two months before. People take a break from work as they visit their homes and relatives. It is common for people to take long vacations, generally lasting a week or two.

The month of December is when the atmosphere comes alive, with Christmas carols being sung all over the country. As the occasion draws near, most of the churches start night vigils for thanksgiving and singing in praise of the Lord. These are known as "Kesha" locally.

The Christmas eve sees people gather in large numbers in churches and sing Biblical hymns as they worship the God. At midnight, the birth of the Christ is celebrated with giving of gifts, animals, harvest, and singing. The children perform dances as everyone rejoices in the moment. This goes on till dawn.

Christmas in Kenya is an important time of the year, and is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike.